Latest Technology Gadgets News Reviews Updates- 2011

How to Upgrade to iOS 5 , Without Any Developer Account

2011-06-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

One day and iOS 5 has been hacked already. Gizmodo reader and Apple lover Mert Erdir has discovered how to upgrade to iOS 5 without developer accounts, using a simple backdoor. Everyone can do it following these extremely simple instructions:

The method exploits a security flaw in the activation screen, apparently related to the Voice Over system. Here's how to do it.

Warning: While this operation should be simple and inconsequential, we are not responsible for what you do to your iPhone. Proceed at your own risk.

Download and install iOS 5

Full size

1. Download the iOS 5 IPSW file from the web (it's easy and readily available. Just Google it and torrent it down).
2. Update your iPhone using iTunes. To do this, connect your iPhone to your computer, click on the Check for Update button with the Option (Mac) or Shift (PC) key pressed. Select the iOS 5 IPSW file from the place you downloaded it to.
3. Wait until it upgrades. A new activation screen will appear.

Activate iOS 5

1. Triple click the home button. This will activate the Voice Over.
2. Triple click the home button and Emergency Call will appear.
3. Click on Emergency Call and, while it's switching, swipe with your three fingers down.
4. The Notification Center will appear!
5. Click on the Weather widget. The Weather app will load.
6. Click on the home button to exit to the iPhone's springboard.

That's it. Your iPhone is activated and fully operative. Enjoy and thank Mert Erdir for this clever link. He has this words to say:

My will is not to do something harmful to anyone, I just wanted to get the attention of Apple, the company I'm in love with; and maybe one day have a chance to talk to/meet Steve Jobs himself. You can reach me on Twitter for further questions.

I found this because I don't have much cash to get an IOS Developer account, so donations for a young developer will be appreciated. They can be made on my blog (not in english). You'll see the PayPal donate button on the right. Thanks!

So send the kid some dollars so he can become a pro developer. With his patience and creativity finding this iOS 5 backdoor, I'm sure he will do a great job.

Apple's Next iPhone, iPhone 4G, iPhone 3GS Application, iPhone, iPhone OS 4.0

2010-04-24T00:54:00.000-07:00

You are looking at Apple's next iPhone. It was found lost in a bar in Redwood City, camouflaged to look like an iPhone 3GS. We got it. We disassembled it. It's the real thing, and here are all the details.

While Apple may tinker with the final packaging and design of the final phone, it's clear that the features in this lost-and-found next-generation iPhone are drastically new and drastically different from what came before. Here's the detailed list of our findings:

What's new

• Front-facing video chat camera
• Improved regular back-camera (the lens is quite noticeably larger than the iPhone 3GS)
• Camera flash
• Micro-SIM instead of standard SIM (like the iPad)
• Improved display. It's unclear if it's the 960x640 display thrown around before—it certainly looks like it, with the "Connect to iTunes" screen displaying much higher resolution than on a 3GS.
• What looks to be a secondary mic for noise cancellation, at the top, next to the headphone jack
• Split buttons for volume
• Power, mute, and volume buttons are all metallic

What's changed

• The back is entirely flat, made of either glass (more likely) or ceramic or shiny plastic in order for the cell signal to poke through. Tapping on the back makes a more hollow and higher pitched sound compared to tapping on the glass on the front/screen, but that could just be the orientation of components inside making for a different sound
• An aluminum border going completely around the outside
• Slightly smaller screen than the 3GS (but seemingly higher resolution)
• Everything is more squared off
• 3 grams heavier
• 16% Larger battery
• Internals components are shrunken, miniaturized and reduced to make room for the larger battery

How it was lost

Here is a detailed account of how the phone was lost.

Why we think it's definitely real

We're as skeptical—if not more—than all of you. We get false tips all the time. But after playing with it for about a week—the overall quality feels exactly like a finished final Apple phone—and disassembling this unit, there is so much evidence stacked in its favor, that there's very little possibility that it's a fake. In fact, the possibility is almost none. Imagine someone having to use Apple components to design a functioning phone, from scratch, and then disseminating it to people around the world. Pretty much impossible. Here are the reasons, one by one.

It has been reported lost
Apple-connected John Gruber—from Daring Fireball—says that Apple has indeed lost a prototype iPhone and they want it back:

So I called around, and I now believe this is an actual unit from Apple — a unit Apple is very interested in getting back.

Obviously someone found it, and here it is.

The screen
While we couldn't get it past the connect to iTunes screen for the reasons listed earlier, the USB cable on that screen was so high quality that it was impossible to discern individual pixels. We can't tell you the exact resolution of this next-generation iPhone, but it's much higher than the current iPhone 3GS.

The operating system
According to the person who found it, this iPhone was running iPhone OS 4.0 before the iPhone 4.0 announcement. The person was able to play with it and see the iPhone 4.0 features. Then, Apple remotely killed the phone before we got access to it. We were unable to restore because each firmware is device specific—3GS firmware only loads on 3GS devices—and the there are no firmwares available for this unreleased phone. Which is another clue to its authenticity.

It is recognized as an iPhone
This iPhone behaves exactly like an iPhone does when connected to a computer, with the proper boot sequence and "connect to iTunes" restore functionality. Xcode and iTunes both see this as an iPhone. Mac OS X's System Profiler also reports this as an iPhone in restore mode, which is a natural consequence of remotely wiping the phone, but report different product identifiers (both CPID and CPRV) than either the 3G or the 3GS.

It uses micro-sim
The fact that it uses a micro-sim is a clear indicator that this is a next-generation iPhone. No other cellphone uses this standard at this point in the US.

The camouflage case
The case it came inside was a fully developed plastic case to house this phone to disguise it like a 3GS. This wasn't just a normal case; it had all the proper new holes cut out for the new switches and ports and camera holes and camera flash. But it looks like something from Belkin or Case-Mate. It's a perfect disguise.

The fact that it's in the wild right now
Logic can also narrow down why this phone is this year's iPhone, rather than next year's model or one from the previous year's, just because it was found in the wild right now. It makes no sense for Apple to be testing 2011's model right now, in super finished form—they wouldn't be nearly finished with it. The phone also can't be last year's test model, because last year's model (based on the iPhone 3GS teardowns) components were way different. No micro-sim, much bigger logic board, no flash, no front camera, smaller battery and an inferior camera. That only leaves the 2010 model.

The guts, the definitive proof
And finally, when we opened it up, we saw multiple components that were clearly labeled APPLE. And, because the components were fit extremely well and extremely conformed inside the case (obvious that it was designed FOR this case), it was evident that it was not just a 3G or a 3GS transplanted into another body. That probably wouldn't even be possible, with the size constraints of the thinner device and larger battery.

The New Industrial Design

At first sight, this new iPhone's industrial design seems so different from the previous two generations that it could be discarded as just a provisional case. Even while the finish is so perfect that it feels right out of the factory, some of the design language elements that are common to all Apple products are not there. Gone is the flushed screen glass against the metal rim. Gone is the single volume button, replaced by two separate ones. Gone is the seamless rim, and gone are the tapered, curved surfaces.

Despite that, however, this design is not a departure. Not when you frame it with the rest of the Apple product line. It's all the contrary: This new iPhone gets back to the simplicity of the iMac and the iPad. In fact, you can argue that the current iPhone 3GS—with its shiny chrome rim and excessively curved back—is out of place compared to the hard edges and Dieter-Ramish utilitarianism of the iMac and the iPad. Next to the iPad, for example, the new iPhone makes sense. It has the same feeling, the same functional simplicity.

But why the black plastic back, instead of going with an unibody aluminum design? Why the two audio volume buttons? Why the seams? And why doesn't the back have any curvature at all?

Why the plastic back?
The plastic back is the most obvious of the design choices. The iPad, with its all aluminum back, has seen its Wi-Fi reception radius reduced. The 3G version comes with a large patch on the top, probably big enough to provide with good reception. But the new tiny iPhone doesn't have the luxury of space: It needs to provide as much signal as possible using a very small surface. I'm sure Jon Ive is dying to get rid of the plastic back, and go iPad-style all the way, but the wireless reception is the most important thing in a cellphone. A necessary aesthetical-functional trade-off.

Why separate volume buttons?
This new iPhone uses separate buttons for the volume instead of the single button that you can find in the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. It's one of the factors that may indicate that this is a provisional case, until you think about one of the most requested features for Apple's phone: A physical button for the camera. The new iPhone has a bigger sensor and a flash, which means that the camera function keeps gaining more weight. It's only logical to think that Apple may have implemented this two-button approach to provide with a physical shutter button. It makes sense.

Why the seams?
The seams are perhaps the most surprising aspect of the new design. They don't seem to respond to any aesthetic criteria and, in terms of function, we can't adventure any explanation. But they don't look bad. In fact, the whole effect seems good, like something you will find in a Braun product from the 70s.

It's doubtful that the seams are arbitrary, however. Either they will disappear from the final product, or they have a function we can't foresee at this time.

Why no tapering or curves?
As you will see in a future article, the new iPhone is so miniaturized and packed that there's no room for the tapered, curved surfaces. Everything is as tight as it could get, with no space for anything but electronics.

The hardware specs

The phone measures 4.50 by 2.31 by 0.37 inches. It weighs 140 grams. The 3GS weighs 137 grams on a postal scale (and 135 on Apple's official measurements). So, in comparison, it's 3 grams heavier. The battery is 5.25 WHr at 3.7V, compared to the 3GS battery, which is 4.51 WHr at 3.7V. On the back of the phone, it said it was XX GB, but since we were unable to get the phone to a running state, we couldn't see exactly how large it was.

How it feels

Freaking amazing. As a person who never really liked the round mound of a back in the 3GS, the sleeker, flatter, squarer design is super welcome. It feels sturdier than the 3GS, and much less plasticky. The metal buttons give it a heftier feel—less of a toy—than all previous generations. The closest analog to it would be the original iPhone, which is more square and heavy than its newer brothers.

It feels completely natural up to your face, and the fact that both the front and the back are glossy makes no difference on how well you can hold it without the phone slipping. And because it's thinner, it feels even nicer in your pants.

What all this means

Apple has updated the exterior drastically different from the 3G and 3GS. That design is old, it felt out of place compared to the rest of their products and needed desperately to be killed. Now you have a thinner body, a much more pleasant form factor with no wasted space and lots of hard lines. But the design isn't the most important part that's changed.

They've delivered many of the features people have been waiting for—that damn front camera!—while at the same time upgrading everything else. Flash, better back camera, better battery life and another microphone for better voice clarity. People who bought the 3G two years ago and are now in the perfect position to upgrade and get a dramatically different, and better, phone. If confirmed this summer, and if it performs as we expect, this next-generation iPhone looks like a winner.

Much additional reporting and design analysis by Jesus Diaz. Rosa Golijan also contributed.

If you want to link to this article, here's a YouTube video you can use to illustrate your post:

For iPhone OS 4 coverage: the hidden secret features, our hands on video, describing (and showing) how it is, and the best features overall.

And for more next-gen iPhone coverage: the rumored announcement date, AT&T blocking vacation days for iPhone launch and video and group chat code in the OS.

Camera gear and lenses courtesy Borrowlenses. Check them out if you need camera supplies but don't want to own it forever.

Now its HTC Bravo to HTC Passion

2009-12-09T01:03:00.000-08:00

HTC Bravo Update: coming to US in January as HTC Passion

We realize we might have overfed you a little with that plentiful leak of HTC's 2010 plans, so here's a chance to better ogle and digest HTC's "Performance" flagship to be: the Bravo. Pairing Android with Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon and presenting a 3.7-inch AMOLED facade, this certainly ticks the headline boxes, and the add

ition of a five megapixel AF cam capable of 720p video capture gives it an extra sheen of 2010 newness. The picture above is accompanied by less solid info indicating a 1,400mAh battery, which will be joined by the mandatory WiFi, Bluetooth and MicroUSB connectivity, plus MicroSD expansion, FM radio tuner, digital compass, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Then again, the source is the same bunch of heroes responsible for our extra early -- and accurate -- info on the HD2, so those specs may be considered pretty reliable. Oh, if you're wondering about the touchscreen, it's capacitive, like it should be.

Update: If you were wondering about the difference between the Bravo and the recently leaked Passion, there is none other than the branding apparently. We're also hearing that the above handset will be available in the US in January, a cool three months ahead of the expected European release.

Source : HTC Passion

Wireless Router, Multimedia Router' Hits the FCC

2009-12-09T00:42:00.000-08:00

Ever wish your wireless router was more than just a router? So have the folks at Qisda, apparently, who have come up with this wild concoction of a device that certainly does many things and may or may not actually do any of them well. Sort of like a less huggable, less rollable mash-up of a Chumby and a Rolly, this touchscreen-equipped, speaker-packing "router" will let you view YouTube vidoes, tune into internet radio stations (or FM radio, for that matter), access media stored on its internal memory (but not your local network, it seems), and even double as a clock radio, to name a few features. Oh, and as a router it'll do 802.11n, but packs just one spare Ethernet port. Of course, all of this news comes to us courtesy of the FCC, which means there's no details on things like price or availability, but there are plenty of less than flattering pics, dissection photos, and test reports. Hit up the link below to dive in.

Source: Multimedia Router

Technorati varification

2009-12-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

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Smartbook AG launches Absolutely Gaudy $3,000 Swarovski-laden Netbook

2009-11-30T01:23:00.000-08:00

Smartbook AG launches absolutely gaudy $3,000 Swarovski-laden netbook

Taking a break from making headlines over infringement rights, Smartbook AG has found an entirely new way to get our attention. Introducing the Zenid GC Crystal, a "smartbook" that's, as Netbooknews.de points out, one of the most common Chinese ODM netbooks, the S40 -- 10.2-inch WXGA LED screen, 1.6GHz Intel Atom N280, 2GB DDR2 RAM, WiFi, and so on. You can get a non-crystal version for 299 euros, but really, we know you're wanting to go ridiculously lavish here, and that's precisely where the Crystal variant doesn't disappoint. Completely encrusted in Swarovski crystals, the asking price jumps to 2,001 euros, or approximately $3,000 in currency from across the pond. We'd like to point and laugh more, but deep down, we know there's enough comically wealthy people out there to probably justify this.

Creator of ProFORMA 3D Scanning system talks details, availability

2009-11-27T04:08:00.000-08:00

Creator of ProFORMA 3D scanning system talks details, availability

Still a bit curious how the ProFORMA system developed at Cambridge University can turn any old webcam into a fairly advanced 3D scanner? Then settle in for a few minutes, as the researcher behind the project, Qi Pan, has taken a bit of time to chat with the Shapeways blog about the how the system came to fruition and its potential availability to the public. Interestingly, he actually started out trying to model outdoor scenes, but moved to smaller objects after discovering that the processing power required was beyond his reach. That led to about a year and half of work on the current system, which works in two stages: the first being a tracker that works out the position and orientation of the object relative to the camera, and the second being the reconstruction stage, which seems to be as effortless to use as it is complicated to explain. Perhaps the best news, however, is that Qi says he soon plans to release a Linux-based demo to the general public, and a Windows version shortly thereafter.

Shapeways

Sony Walkman X-series Gets Much Needed Browser - Update Sony's v1.10 software update

2009-11-27T03:55:00.000-08:00

Sony Walkman X-series gets much needed browser update

At this point, it's hard to quantify the effect that Sony's v1.10 software update will have on Sony's X-series Walkman: the firmware's only now hitting the intertubes. But the simple fact that it's only feature-point says, "displaying and navigating Web sites will be improved," should be enough for X-series owners to give it a go. Japan's Impress AV Watch provides some insight into improvements that include faster page load times, improved scrolling speeds, and more faithful page renderings to the originals. The update also apparently adds a link to Microsoft's Bing search engine as well as the ability to search local music folders. Now get to it buster, that 3-inch OLED DAP's not going to update itself.

Emblaze's First Else unveiled in London, promises to be a game-changer

2009-11-25T03:20:00.000-08:00

Emblaze's First Else unveiled in London, promises to be a game-changer

Folks, today might be the day when you start to notice how ancient our smartphones have become, even if they only came out in last few months. Blame Else (formerly Emblaze Mobile) for its confusingly-named First Else, a phone "built from scratch" over the last two years and now powered by Access Linux Platform (ALP) 3.0 -- a mobile OS thought to have quietly died out since our last sighting in February. Until today's London launch event, the last we heard of th

access, access linux platform, Access Linux Platform 3.0, AccessLinuxPlatform, AccessLinuxPlatform3.0, alp, alp 3.0, breaking news, BreakingNews, ELSE, else intuition, ElseIntuition, emblaze, emblaze else, emblaze mobile, EmblazeElse, EmblazeMobile, first else, FirstElse, hands-on, intuition, intuition os, linux

is Israeli company was from October's Access Day in Japan where it previewed the Else Intuition OS, which we like to think of as inspired by Minority Report. While it's still too early to tell whether the First Else -- launching in Q2 next year -- will dodge the path of doom, we were already overwhelmed by the excellence of the device's user experience, both from its presentation and from our exclusive hands-on opportunity. Do read on to find out how Else is doing it right.

Built from scratch

As the name suggests, the First Else's main objective is to be different. This may sound like a marketing hype but Emblaze seems serious -- it wanted to create not just another phone, but rather a brand new mobile user experience (especially the ergonomics, aesthetics and the content delivery system) to upstage the iPhone and the latest Android devices, both of which Else considers to be the market leaders. Eldad Eilam, CTO of Else, explained that this required starting from scratch and using custom technology where possible (such as its proprietary graphics engine), while at the same time the technical details are well-packaged so that they don't intimidate the users (but not just by wrapping an aging OS with some fancy skin; yes, we're staring at you, Windows Phone).

Else started with ALP's Linux foundations, and after two years and 33 partner agreements, it unveiled the Else Intuition OS. When asked about other Linux-based platforms like Android and webOS, Eilam expressed little concern. "Android's a game-changer... [but] people need to consider that Android doesn't bring good user experience. Most [manufacturers] have failed. The Droid is improving, has a great infrastructure but they treat Android as just a component." Interestingly, Else didn't comment on webOS -- probably to avoid stirring up Access's bitter memories of Palm, but it could've been just a miss.

"The death of main menu"

While there's some good old Linux doing the donkey work underneath, the First Else's futuristic and intuitive user interface mesmerized us during the presentation and our hands-on, all thanks to "sPlay" -- a right-thumb-controlled, sci-fi-like fan menu interface. Else actually did a live demo on its prototype First Else with no visible glitches, and when we had our hands on the device we got the same great responsiveness. Else CEO Amir Kupervas made a good point about how "smart" phones should actually be adapting to us instead of us having to adapt to cluttered menu systems, which led the to birth of sPlay and the fisheye display which provide minimal but necessary information, while keeping a consistent layout and visual aesthetics across different applications. At the same time, these features are positioned within reach of the right thumb, and sPlay takes it further by letting you easily browse different content by just a simple swipe of the right thumb. Kupervas went as far as saying this single-hand operation is "the death of main menu," mocking most other smartphone platforms. You'll probably appreciate more of what Else is trying to achieve after watching its presentation (followed by its campaign video which is also available at the 'Source' link):

Impressive hardware, interesting service integration

While Else's focus is on the user experience, it hasn't compromised on the hardware front: inside it's got a powerful TI OMAP 3430 processor (as found on the iPhone 3GS, Motorola Droid and Palm Pre), a brilliant 854x480 3.5-inch capacitive LCD touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera which promises to capture 480p video at 30fps, and a 1450mAh battery which claims to outlast the iPhone 3GS by at least one hour. Oh, we dig the OLED indicators at the top as well, leaving us some useful space on the screen. Details on storage capacity are still vague, but right now Else is only saying anything up to 32GB. There's no word on where the First Else will make its commercial launch -- all we know is that it'll only operate on HSDPA and EDGE (sorry, Verizon fans).

Speaking of carriers, Else is also working on a self-branded media store which will require no credit card details, thus enhancing the "out-of-the-box experience". How will it do that, you say? Well, it'll work very closely with carriers in full partnership, and let them charge you at the end of the month. This isn't totally revolutionary -- with the iPhone it's just a one-off setup on iTunes -- but it's still a nice touch by Else, and we're sure someone out there will appreciate this extra effort to create a seamless user experience. Similarly, Else will be setting up an app store and they'll release an SDK at launch. We've been told that some big names are already working on the first lot of apps -- World of Warcraft was mentioned -- and there'll be an app approval process to ensure the they'll have the same flow as the handset itself. Good for the users, but probably not so good for the developers.

Wrap-up

There's a lot of potential here and well done to Else for the work so far, but there are still many uncertainties: pricing, availability, carriers, apps, final device specs and, most importantly, usability in the long run. That's a lot of of unanswered questions -- almost enough for us to call this vaporware -- but we're optimistic, as we've actually held and played with a working device in person. We're hoping to hear a lot more about what Else has in store -- until then, we can only drool over this final quickie demonstration. Just remember to wipe up afterwards.

Source : Else unveiled in London

LG GW880 OPhone, LG bows its GW880 OPhone for China Mobile, we start packing our things

2009-11-25T03:14:00.000-08:00

We don't know what exactly China Mobile is putting in its manufacturer partners' tea during contract negotiations, but considering how rapidly China's largest carrier has grown its OPhone line into the most desirable single-network lineup of Android handsets in the world, we'd strongly recommend they continue to do it. Rumors of an LG entry back in August have now come to fruition in the form of the GW880, a full touch handset launching this month featuring a solid 3.5-inch WVGA display, 5 megapixel camera, and support for a pair of pretty important homegrown standards -- TD-SCDMA for 3G and CMMB for mobile TV tuning. For comparison, LG's only other announced Android phone -- the GW620 Eve for global distribution -- steps down to a HVGA display, so yeah, if you'll excuse us, we've got a Mandarin lesson in a couple minutes.

USB Whirl Wind Warmer Cup : My Dream Coffee Cup is Now Reality

2009-11-21T03:53:00.000-08:00

My Dream Coffee Cup is Now Reality

Unlike T.S. Eliot's J. Alfred Prufrock, I can't measure life out in coffee spoons. I tend to lose the darn things. That's exactly why this self-stirring, self-heating, USB-chargeable coffee cup is the stuff my caffeine-deprived daydreams are made of.

Brando calls it the USB Whirl Wind Warmer Cup and it's all too lovely. It keeps your beverage at a comfortable 40°C and stirs everything up at the push of a button. You can recharge the cup's batteries using either an AC outlet or a USB port, so there's no reason to be left without stirring power.

It's $37, and it may be my coffee cravings talking, but somehow that doesn't seem too bad considering how much all my lost spoons add up to. [Brando via Red Ferret]

View Source: USB-chargeable coffee cup

Philips launches 9704 LED Pro Televisions In UK, Philips Releases New LED Pro HDTVs

2009-11-21T03:32:00.000-08:00

Philips has just announced a new 9704 LED Pro line of televisions bound for the UK. The two sets promise a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, a 200Hz refresh rate, and a 1-ms response time. Philips promises both models -- the 40-inch 40PFL9704 and the 46-inch 46PFL9704 -- are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than previous models, and both boast 5 HDMI ports. Both LED Pros will be available in December, with the 40-incher running £1,799 (around $2969) and the 46-inch model costing £2,499 (about $4,124).

2009-11-21T03:24:00.000-08:00

Verizon is another carrier that has now made available the BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone which won't make heads turn as it goes about its job quietly, helping you check your emails and messages while replying with aplomb. Just in case you're curious to know what the Curve 8530 holds, it comes with a 2.5? display, a 2-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS navigation, 256MB of flash memory, a new optical trackpad, Bluetooth connectivity, a microSD memory card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack. You can pick it up for $99.99 on contract where it will come in Black and Smoky Violet colors.

Sony finally launches PS2 in Brazil (or, welcome to 2000!)

2009-11-21T03:18:00.000-08:00

We don't live in Brazil, but from what we hear, it's not one of the most gamer-friendly places out there. Piracy runs rampant and whenever any kind of controversial game releases, citizens usually find their government won't let 'em play it. But, hey, things are kinda looking up!

Reader Renato wrote in to us saying the PS2 has finally officially released in Brazil and that consumers can get it from the Sony Style store now ... for the low, low price of 799 BRL (about 461 USD). That's right, Brazilians no longer need secure safe passage for emigrating consoles or pay ridiculous sums of money to third-party distributors and can instead pay ridiculous sums of money directly to Sony for a locally-supported PS2! Isn't that awesome?

View Source: playstation-2, ps2

New Sony NXCAM is more camcorder than you ever need, but still you covet

2009-11-21T03:10:00.000-08:00

Sony's latest professional-grade camcorder probably meets your needs and then some by quite a stretch, recording AVCHD up to 24Mbps and SD quality in MPEG-2 / 9Mbps. We're also looking at a 20x zoom lens, 3 x 1/3-inch Exmor CMOS sensor, and storage options including Memory Stick Pro Duo and an optional 128GB flash memory drive. Don't lie, you want this beast, even if it clearly falls in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" category. Look for more temptation sometime closer to its expected early 2010 launch.

Sony, Akihabara News

Nokia India Launched N97 Mini: Smaller Mobile Computer

2009-11-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

Nokia N97 mini in India:

Nokia, world leader in manufacturing mobile handsets today announced the latest addition to its Nseries range, Nokia N97 mini in India which is a cheaper alternative to the Nokia N97.

The Nokia N97 mini mobile is equipped with QWERTY keyboard and fully customisable homescreen, stylish stainless steel cues, GSM and HSDPA connectivity, Wi-Fi, GPS, stereo Bluetooth, featuring a tilting 3.2" touch display, 3.5 mm headset jack and a powerful camera for experiencing quality photography and it has 8 GB internal memory for addressing storage needs of customers.

The Nokia N97 mini is a smaller mobile computer that has been designed for the style-conscious consumer.

Nokia N97 mini also comes with Lifecasting with Ovi through which users can publish their location and status updates directly to their Facebook account and other features include a digital compass, TV-out, document viewer, Flash Lite 3, video and photo editor, push email and multimedia player.

"More and more people today want to bring their physical and online worlds together via the internet. The Nokia N97 mini is designed for this new social internet and to help navigate people and places. Moreover, it comes in a pocket-friendly size for those out and about. With live feeds, personalized content, Lifecasting with Ovi, Ovi Mail and Ovi Store, the N97 mini provides web centricity to user in a compact case." said V Ramnath, Director-Operator Channels, Nokia India.

Nokia N97 mini available in three colours, viz, cheery black, garnet and white. The device will start shipping in the last week of November 2009 at Rs. 30,939 /-

Courtesy: Nokia India

Fly India Launched MC160 & E106: Dual SIM TouchScreen Mobile Phones

2009-11-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

Fly Mobile, the pioneers in dual SIM phones in Europe and a brand owned by the Meridian Group, headquartered in UK, today announced the launch and availability of two of its dual-SIM touch-screen mobile phone models in India that are high on design and loaded with features.

Targeted primarily at youth who not only love their music but love to flaunt their phones too, the two new dual-SIM touch-screen models- Fly MC160 and Fly E106, available for as low as Rs. 5,300 /- onwards, are all set to break the touch screen phone price barrier.

While touch-screen phones from other brands with similar features are pegged at Rs. 8000 /- onwards, these two mobile phones are poised to take the market by storm. Not to forget the fact that unlike competition, the MC160 and E106 have the dual-SIM capability which allows users to have two GSM connections in one instrument, making them an attractive proposition.

According to Mr. Prem Kumar, Chief Executive Officer (India Operations), Fly Mobile, "It is our constant endeavor to capture not just the requirements but also the aspirations of the users through continuous consumer research. These inputs are then incorporated into our products as features. This is possible only because we have our very own design and development facilities involved in incessant innovation enabling us to come up with superior products at unbelievably affordable prices. Of course, it also sets us apart from brands that are merely traders in cheap imports."

The Fly Mobile MC160 is a dual-SIM touch-screen phone that comes with a Yamaha chipset which produces music quality that touches the heart. What's more, this tri-band bar phone also has motion sensors, 3.2 mega-pixel camera, FM radio with FM recording capability, talk time of 4 hours and standby time of 200 hours, internal memory of 87 MB and expandable memory up to 8 GB, Bluetooth, EDGE and GPRS functionality.

Fly Mobile MC160's touch screen with 240 x 320 pixels resolution and 262K colours display ensures a brilliant representation of multimedia content with sharp and clear image. Additional features include MP3 ring tones, speaker phone, video recording, self-help feature, A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Protocol), card slot, mobile tracker with remote control capabilities, privacy protection feature, and a phonebook that can store up to 2000 records. Last but not the least, using a USB cable and expandable memory of the card inside, the phone can double up as a pen drive for data storage as well. This efficient phone is available at an affordable price of Rs. 6,000 /- only.

The Fly Mobile E106 is a sleek looking dual-SIM full touch-screen phone that's slender enough to slip into your pocket, and budget as well, easily. The main attraction is the crystal clear 2.4" QVGA screen with 262K colours and 240 x 320 resolution that displays images vividly enough. This dual-band phone also sports features like loud FM radio without earphones, FM recording capability, Bluetooth, GPRS, talk time of 4 hours and a standby time of 240 hours, A2DP, live MSN, motion sensors, 2 mega-pixel camera, speaker phone, card slot, MP3 ring tones, video recording, expandable memory up to 4 GB and a phone book that can hold 1000 records. This light weight and slender phone that can be used as a pen drive as well (as and when required using the USB cable and the expandable memory card) is available at an unbelievable price of Rs. 5,300 /- only.

Courtesy: Fly India

New Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C: Colorful And Curve TouchScreen Phone

2009-11-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C :

Samsung Electronics Hong Kong today announced the launch of the Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C, a colorful and curvy designed full-touch phone with Handwriting, Cartoon User Interface (UI) and Upgraded Facebook Widget.

"Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C is the most stylish communicator and is a must-have for trendsetters," said Billy Chen, director of the Telecommunications Team, Samsung Electronics Hong Kong. "The eye-catching colors and sensual design of Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C bring fun, vitality and excitement to users. This phone is designed to complement a dynamic lifestyle with the combination of Social Networking Services, usability and design. Customers can express their own style with pop colors and design, while staying connected with Social Network Widget access to Social Networks."

The Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C is compact in a curved body design with pop-style contours making it easy to grip. This phone has four vivid color options -- Pudding Yellow, Citrus Orange, Cherry Pink and Whipped Cream White -- enabling customers to express their individual tastes. It also comes with two additional changeable covers – patterned "Fashion Jackets" and a black cover. In addition to the versatile exterior, the Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C has multiple options for colorful UI themes; it is fun and entertaining to operate the mobile phone in the exclusive Cartoon UI.

With the combination of Social Networking Widgets and Communities features, the Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C offers simple one-click uploads of favorite photos or video to popular Social Networking sites, including Facebook, Picasa, Flickr, MySpace, Photobucket and Friendster. This Samsung Anycall first-ever Twitter Widget and Upgraded Facebook Widget provides automatic notifications of news feeds, comments, and status updates. It also allows full browsing of inbox, profile, and friend status that allows users to stay connected with their friends.

Customers can zoom-in and out image or web page by simply pressing on the screen with the One Finger Zoom feature. The Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C is also the first Samsung Anycall phone with a Chinese English Dictionary function. The innovative Smart Unlock function allows customers to unlock the phone and access functions or perform actions directly by drawing a preset alphabet from A to Z on the locked screen. This combination of speed and convenience is truly unrivalled. Built-in Chinese English Dictionary function makes learning English vocabulary easier and hassle free.

The Samsung Anycall Corby S3650C is equipped with rich multimedia features, including a 2.0 Mega-pixel camera with Smile Shot, music player, and FM radio with RDS. With 50 MB of internal memory and microSDHC support (up to 8 GB), users can store favorite songs, photos, and videos. Bluetooth V2.1 and USB 2.0 provide fast connections to mobile peripherals, PCs and other devices for more convenient file transfers.

Courtesy: Samsung Electronics

World’s First Crystal Transparent Mobile LG India Launched GD900

2009-11-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

World's first transparent design handset:

LG brings in the World's first transparent design handset with new Gesture Command touch navigation feature. Riding high on its classy designs, innovative aesthetics and excellent user interface, LG Electronics India Limited launched a completely new design concept of transparency with its LG GD900 Crystal. Rich on its arty appeal, the world's first transparent phone, LG GD900 with its drop-down touchpad is extremely beautiful, stylish and remarkably usable.

Ready to make a fashion statement, this new chic handset will make a perfect arm-candy and make you stand out from the crowd. Along with its appealing look, the LG-GD 900 has a heart of a winner. It is the first phone to feature LG's next generation touch technology and Gesture Command, which complements the much-praised 3D S-Class User Interface.

The handset features an 8 megapixel autofocus camera that displays photos on a high resolution 3-inch WVGA LCD touchscreen and with the auto-rotating display, photos look great every time. The handset also has a MP3 player and can hold up to 32GB of music, photos or data using the expandable memory card slot. The phone is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing user to connect to the internet via wireless hotspots and it also supports Bluetooth 2.1 for secure, high-speed connectivity to other devices.

The LG-GD900 Crystal's slide-down Crystal Touchpad first appears to just be an alphanumeric keypad, but it actually doubles as a touchpad for controlling the phone. It can be used like the trackpad on a laptop computer but also recognizes handwriting, responds to multi-touch commands and enables a new way of navigation called Gesture Command.

The crystal touchpad is completely transparent and illuminated with a soft glow. This scratch resistant design made from tempered glass and reinforced by a band of Liquid metal ensuring extended use.

"We wanted to give our consumers a super luxury experience and therefore, developed a handset that touts a gorgeous sliding keypad - the LG GD900 Crystal. The phone's transparent touchpad feature adds to the personality of our consumers and gives gizmo geeks a wonderful reason to possess it. Not only this, we have made a creative use of hardware through Gesture Command that provides control via simple, on-screen finger movements. We are positive that our new handset will become a winning model of the year," says Mr. Anil Arora, Business Group Marketing Head, Mobile Communications, LGEIL.

The LG GD900 Crystal Priced at Rs. 26,000 /- , the mobile phone is available in Chrome and Titen color choices at all retail outlets across the country.

Courtesy: LG Mobile India

New in the Maker Shed: 6-in-1 Educational Solar Robotic kit

2009-11-19T04:04:00.000-08:00

The 6-in-1 Educational Solar Robotic Kit is an excellent beginner building kit designed to teach how solar power is used to drive a small motor. Kids use the 21 snap-together parts (no tools required) to build 6 different working models including an airboat, car, windmill, puppy, and 2 different airplanes.

View Source :

6-in-1 Educational Solar Robotic Kit

Philips' Crystalize service promises to cure your skin care dilemma

2009-11-19T03:18:00.000-08:00

We've already seen a few Japanese department stores employing virtual makeover machines, and it looks like Philips is now hoping to bring a similar service to an even wider audience. Dubbed "Crystalize," the company's latest off the beaten path device makes use of some cameras normally used for medical purposes to take extreme close-up shots of various parts of your face, which are then analyzed for four different conditions (skin type, redness, sun damage, and smoothness). That will apparently cost you $90, which will also get you recommendations for various products to improve your skin (for which Philips apparently doesn't receive any remuneration), and access to a social networking site for continuing service. For starters, however, the service will only be available at one store in Santa Monica, but Philips says it plans to make it available "across the world" in 2010. Video after the break.

View Source : PhilipsCrystalize

Lenovo ThinkPad Edge to bridge gap between IdeaPads and pro machines ?

2009-11-19T03:09:00.000-08:00

By Vladislav Savov posted Nov 19th 2009 5:07AM

Dear Lenovo, thank you for being so loose-lipped about your forthcoming products, we most certainly appreciate it. Joining the now fully detailed X100e is a purported new line of entry-level ThinkPads -- dubbed the ThinkPad Edge. We've only got the one source and that image above as evidence, but the details appear to make sense in terms of Lenovo's overall lineup strategy. Set to fit in between the professional ThinkPads and more consumer-oriented IdeaPads, the Edge will start off with 13.3-inch units sporting a choice of low-voltage dual-core AMD or Intel processors, up to eight hours of battery life, and a robust 4GB of memory paired to 500GB of storage. The word is that we'll see the new machines make an appearance by CES 2010 at the latest, and we've got a purported spec sheet for your perusal after the break.

View Source : ces, ces 2010, Ces2010, edge, laptop, lenovo, lenovo thinkpad, lenovo thinkpad edge, LenovoThinkpad, LenovoThinkpadEdge, notebook, rumor, thin and light

Sony Ericsson Kurara has speedy Cortex A8, PowerVR purring inside

2009-11-19T03:06:00.000-08:00

Eldar Murtazin, the man/legend behind Mobile Review has snagged one of those already leaked SE Kurara handsets, and he's got some juicy info to share with the rest of us. Apparently, the CPU on that little goer is a Cortex A8, backed by 256MB of RAM and a PowerVR graphics processor. It's no surprise then that the HD label we saw earlier has been corroborated by 720p video recording and playback capabilities, and the Symbian S60 interface is said to "fly." Eldar promises fuller impressions and more imagery by tomorrow, and indicates the second half of February as the likely landing date for the new handset, with a price point around €500 ($745) in Europe.
View Source : http://www.engadget.com/

Livescribe Pulse Smartpen Now Has Its Own App Store

2009-11-19T02:57:00.000-08:00

The folks behind Livescribe, the smartpen/pencorder/computer stick/dictapencil (remember?) have finally made good on an old promise: to open it up to 3rd-party applications. That's right folks—now there's an app store for pen and paper.

Before we get into the new stuff, a refresher from our original review:

The Livescribe Pulse Digital Smartpen records your notes two ways: it creates digital copies of everything you write by hand while recording audio at the same time. It also goes one step further and links the two together, so you can quickly access audio by tapping parts of your notes. All of this is uploaded to your computer where the Livescribe software archives and makes your notes fully searchable. In addition, it offers features like a calculator, [demo] translator, and a paper piano that plays a mini piano you draw on paper.

That last part, at least at the time, felt like a bit of a tease: the ability to tap on a flat, printed paper calculator or a piano that you'd drawn yourself was plenty cool, but didn't amount to much more than a tech demo. More to the point, it gave an extremely vague sense of potential, since the functions, translator aside, were some of the most obvious implementations of a technology that could clearly do much more complex things. But just what, we had no idea. Enter the application store:
As far as the mechanics go, this is straight mobile app store from top to bottom, from the new SDK to the web interface to the (not yet finalized) 35% skimmed off the top. As far as apps go, this is new territory. Remember—the interfaces for these things need to be drawn on paper by the users, or printed on special cards.

This may sound like more of a nuisance than a feature, but in the demos I saw, it worked. In the translation app, for example, you simply draw a series of buttons to serve as translation triggers, and sloppy or lopsided as they may be, they register just fine. The video poker app, which displayed adorable little cards on the pen's screen during play, demanded a slightly more complicated paper interface, which also worked seamlessly.

The trick will be for app developers—and Livescribe says there are thousands interested—to come up with novel ways to use this bizarre new interaction model. I mean, the way the Pulse can precisely read and distinguish marks on its dot paper means that a developer could theoretically design almost any kind of interface, from the playful and literal—I was shown a crudely sketched guitar that played back various chords—to the abstract—users could simply be asked to draw and assign their own buttons in whatever style they want. This, combined the the Pulse's audio recording, text recording and handwriting recognition, makes for an unfamiliar, but potentially very powerful, set of tools. Speaking of which, back to the store:
It's in beta now, and launched with a healthy selection of apps to sample, mostly ranging from free to about $10. (With one $100 exception.) Apps are run in a Java virtual machine, and built using a spanking new SDK, available for free here. Anyone who has a Pulse can access the store now, though you may need to upgrade your pen's firmware. Have at it, folks. [Livescribe]

View Source : http://gizmodo.com

New Google Android phones, T-Mobile G1, HTC Droid Eris, T-Mobile MyTouch 3G, Samsung Behold II, Motorola Cliq , HTC Hero, Motorola Droid,

2009-11-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

With the recent flood of new Google Android phones, some of you may be thinking of making the switch. You're right to consider it, as there are many advantages to the operating system, not the least of which is the growing line of attractive handsets. But for the uninitiated, Android can be a bit of a mess. It's supposed to be a uniform operating system across all devices, but in practice, the user interface on each device varies slightly. It offers third-party applications, e-mail syncing, and a media player; however, the capabilities of those features also will differ by handset. Lastly, while Android promises a high degree of user customization, that may not mean a whole lot to the average person.

Understanding the operating system
Fear not, as Android takes only a brief period of acclimation. Even after a few minutes, you'll get the hang of the interface and you'll be able to navigate your way through your phone. Yet, you need to know a few things about Android before making the jump. Below I've told you what to expect, because I'd hate for you to be surprised by what you find. And equally as important, because your Android experience will vary by device, I'll break down the current U.S. handsets and give you the basic scoop of the Android features on each device.

It's not the iPhone
A lot of CNET readers readers have asked me if Android is just like the iPhone. The answer is no. Though Android devices are rightly compared with the iPhone, the OS is quite different. Android has moved well past its T-Mobile G1 "only for geeks" roots, but don't expect it to deliver a duplicate iPhone experience (and frankly, there's no reason that it should). Compared with the iPhone, Android generally isn't as slick, its menu

structure isn't quite as simple, and it generally has a more technical feel. For example, while the iPhone lets you delete items with a finger swipe, Android requires you to use a "long press" or press menu button for a delete option. Most Android phones also lack a "shake to update" and some features, such as cut and paste, aren't quite as elegant.

I only mention these differences to show that Android is different. They don't make Android inferior, they just demonstrate that's it's not exactly like the iPhone. To new and experienced users alike, Android can feel like a work in progress, so it's important that you don't view it through an iPhone lens. Judge it on its own merits.

Updates

The good news is that Android will get more refined as Google continues to release updates for it. For example, Android 1.6 cleaned up the Market interface, and version 2.0 added welcome improvements like more camera controls. The only trouble is that since updates are carrier-dependent, they won't happen simultaneously. For example, the Motorola Droid debuted with Android 2 .0 installed, but the HTC Droid Eris, whichwent on sale the same day, has only Android 1.5 (it didn't even get version 1.6). What's more, the Droid is the only handset to offer version 2.0 for the time being. The 2.0 update will come to other Android phones eventually, but we don't know when that will happen.When choosing a handset, you'll need to keep their differences in mind. We'd love to see Google take a more active role in pushing updates to phones, but we know that's unlikely.

Mutitouch support
As we mentioned, Android's multitouch support is inconsistent. Only the Droid Eris offers both double-tap and finger-pinching zoom, and we can't understand why the Droid lags behind its GSM counterpart in multitouch support. This will change with future updates, but for now, Android lags behind some of its competition.

E-mail

Android offers full e-mail support and an excellent predictive text that suggests multiple word options. Gmail users in particular will love the seamless syncing for mail contacts and calendar. Android's Microsoft Exchange e-mail support is pretty good, but that feature will vary by handset. For example, though the Droid and Motorola Cliq display in-box folders in the same order as it is displayed on your computer, the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G and the Droid Eris list them in a head-scratching random order.

The handsets also handle meeting invites and attachments differently, and not every device has a unified in-box. Be sure to do your homework before selecting a phone. Also, Android's POP3 support for e-mail services like Yahoo can be clumsy in comparison with other smartphones, but it should be sufficient for most people. While finding e-mails on an Android phone used to involve too many steps, the universal search on newer devices has made the search process easier.

Calendar and contacts
The G1 and MyTouch 3G don't offer native Outlook calendar syncing, which limits their appeal as true work devices. For the handsets that do have the feature, your Gmail calendar remains separate. We'd much prefer to have a unified app. Also, Outlook contacts syncing varies by handset as well. The early Android devices don't offer it, but it became a standard feature starting with the HTC Hero.

Applications

Many sources (CNET included) have rightly pointed out that Apple offers more apps than Google. And for now, Apple also has the edge in quality (the iPhone's Facebook app is far beyond its Android counterpart, for instance). Though it's an important point to remember, I wouldn't stress about this too much. As time goes on, the Android Market selection will get better. Apple may continue to have more apps, but quantity matters little at the end of the day. After all, how many of Apple's 50,000 plus apps are really that useful.Android phones do have removab

le memory cards, but you can store apps only on the phone's integrated memory. That may not be a problem for many people, but current Android phones offer less than a gigabyte of internal storage. As such, you may have to watch your downloads carefully.

On the other hand, Android's Google app integration is amazing. Whether it's Gmail, Google Talk, or Google Maps, Android is a Google-lover's dream. Speaking of Google Maps, Android's GPS support is quite satisfying on newer devices. On the Droid, for example, you get voice-guided and text-to-speech directions without having to download an app or pay for a monthly fee.

Internet

After the iPhone's Web browser put other smartphone browser options to shame, we were thrilled to see Android step up to the plate. As we mentioned, Android's multitouch support is all over the map, and we don't like that you have to dig through a menu to access a Forward button. Yet, we like the visual bookmarks and Android is lapping its smartphone competition on Adobe Flash Lite support. The quality of Flash video playback on Android isn't perfect, but at least it's there.

Multimedia
Android offers a full media player for video and music, but we've seen better players on even some basic phones. You can use audio tracks as ringtones, but the player interface on most handsets is pretty simple and features are limited (the new Samsung Behold II is an exception). As such, we wouldn't call it a real MP3 player. On the upside, getting music on the phones is relatively easy. Just keep in mind that Android is primed for syncing to the Amazon MP3 store. That may require an adjustment for some users.

Video fans should also remember that Android doesn't offer an integrated video download service like iTunes does. Of course, you can load your own videos on the phone, but I wonder how many people have movie files just sitting around. Don't count on the YouTube app, either. Since the clips are streaming over the air, the video and audio quality can be poor.

Customization
Android advocates are right to point out that the OS is an open and customizable. That means that device manufacturers and carriers have a lot of freedom in how their handsets look and feel. Similarly, app developers benefit because Google takes a much less active role than Apple in controlling the flow apps to the Android Market. Though most consumers won't be altering their phones that much, I'm sure you'll notice that Android phones just feel freer than the competition.

Manufacturer differences
There is a flip side to the customization. At its core, Android is the same on all supported devices, but manufacturers have put their own spin on some handsets. T-Mobile's Motorola Cliq offers the MotoBlur interface, which centers on social networking; the HTC Hero and Droid Eris sport HTC's Sense feature for thorough customization; and Samsung added its TouchWiz interface to the Behold II. Each interface is unique and can make a big difference in overall usability and social networking support. Before buying a device, think carefully about your needs.

Other options
Android offers great multitasking capabilities and you should love the onscreen notifications for e-mails, app updates, and Facebook messages. We're still hoping for a file manager, but having real PC syncing means that you can use your phone as a USB mass-storage device. Also, Android doesn't restrict how you can access the phone from a PC, nor does it limit file transfer.

Handsets
Choosing an Android handset already is daunting, and it won't get any easier as time goes on. During the past six weeks, CNET has reviewed the same number of new Android phones, so we understand if you don't know where to start. Here's a brief rundown on the current handsets on the market. T-Mobile remains the Android leader, though Sprint and Verizon are catching up. AT&T has yet to announce plans for an Android phone.

T-Mobile G1: More than a year after its release, the world's first Android phone is looking like an antique. It offers fewer features than its newer counterparts, and we never loved its clunky design. We also can't recommend it for its $129 price.

T-Mobile MyTouch 3G: Though it's just a few months old, the MyTouch is beginning to look dated as well (such is life in the cell-phone world). It lacks Outlook calendar and contacts syncing and you're stuck with the HTC proprietary headset jack. Still, it's a likable device that costs $149 with service.

Motorola Cliq: T-Mobile's Cliq is one of our favorite Android devices. We loved its sturdy and comfortable design, interface tweaks, and great feature set. Just be aware that MotoBlur is the centerpiece of the device. It works well, but it also can be overwhelming and unnecessary. Think about how much you'll use it. With service, you can get the Cliq for $199.

Samsung Behold II: The newest Android phone only debuted for T-Mobile on Thursday. The touch-screen device has a brilliant display and the best media player of the bunch. The TouchWiz interface, however, feels somewhat redundant. and we're not loving the $229 price tag.

HTC Hero: Sprint was the second carrier to offer an Android phone. Its Hero doesn't have a physical keyboard, but the HTC Sense interface adds deeper customization than on other devices. It was the first Android phone with Outlook calendar and contact syncing, and it marked HTC's move to a standard 3.5mm headset jack. The price with service is $179.

Samsung Moment: It's a bit normal when compared with its counterparts, but the Sprint handset performs well and it has a fast processor. If you need a physical keyboard, it's a nice alternative to the Hero. It's also $179 with service.

Motorola Droid: Verizon's first Android phone is arguably the most hyped Android phone. It's boxy and bulky, but if offers an amazing display, Android 2.0, high-quality features, and excellent performance. For now, it's the king of Android phones, but it won't cost any more than the Cliq ($199 with service activation).

HTC Droid Eris: This rebranded Hero has a slightly refined design and a couple of extra features, but its multimedia performance isn't quite top-notch. Still, its call quality is admirable, and it doesn't skimp on features. What's more, you can't beat the $99 price.

View Source : Motorola Cliq , HTC Hero, Motorola Droid

Dell Releases Adamo XPS: World’s Thinnest Laptop

2009-11-15T22:25:00.000-08:00

World’s Thinnest Laptop
Dell officially launched the Adamo XPS, the highest-end version of its designer ultra portable. Dell says it expects to “begin taking orders and shipping the Adamo XPS in time for the holidays.” The ultra thin luxury laptop starts at $1,799.

The system is championed as the thinnest notebook ever and measures just 0.39 inches at its thickest point. Dell accomplishes the feat by tucking most of the computer components into the display section and relying on a unique hinge that opens underneath and acts as a built-in prop . In spite of its slimness, the notebook still has a removable battery, two USB ports and DisplayPort output but also weighs slightly more than its MacBook Air rival at 3.2 pounds.

When fully opened, the keyboard sits at maybe a 20-degree angle. It’s an unusual setup, but one that provides a more ergonomic typing experience than the average flat laptop keyboard. We also liked the keyboard’s metal keys and the reasonably large touchpad.

Source: World’s Thinnest Laptop

Samsung unveils Android-equipped Galaxy Spica i5700

2009-11-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

The long-rumored little brother to the Galaxy, the i5700, has finally been made official by Samsung -- and sure enough, it'll go by the trade name "Galaxy Spica." Sammy's latest Android-powered set clocks in at 13.2mm thick and comes equipped with a 3.5mm jack (which, frankly, every smartphone in the world should be including at this point), an 800MHz core (presumably the same as the Moment's), and an Android first: built-in DivX support. This one appears to be a no-frills Google Experience device considering the number of times that "Google" is mentioned in Samsung's press release, but for some Android connoisseurs, the purest, unskinned look and feel is preferred. Sammy says it's already out in Europe and the CIS and will be coming to the Middle East and Asia shortly. View source : Galaxy Spica i5700

Sleek Vega Tablet with Android 2.0, Touchscreen, and 3G Arrives Next Year

2009-11-13T04:59:00.000-08:00

I'm psyched to see Android moving into tablets. Some of the first will be from Innovative Converged Devices (ICD), who say their Tegra-powered 7-, 11-, and 15-inch tablets will arrive through "tier one" carriers in the first half of 2010.

ICD Vega Tablet Gallery

I hadn't heard of ICD before, either: they're actually based in the UK and Seattle. They say the Vega tablets are intended to be low cost, so it looks like some carrier subsidies may be in store, too.

The largest model has a 15.6-inch resistive screen (grr) that supports a resolution of 1366 x 768. It'll have a Tegra processor, 512MB DDR DRAM, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi (no N), and Bluetooth 2.1. The built-in 512MB NAND Flash storage can be expanded via MicroSD cards. It's expected this mode will weigh about 45 ounces and have a battery life of around 4 hours.

The 15-inch Vega also looks pretty similar to the stylish reference Tegra tablet that we spotted Nvidia's chief with earlier in the week. The good news is we'll be able to get a closer look at it come CES time in January. [Innovative Converged Devices]

The BlackBerry Curve 8900 Latest Gadgets, New BlackBerry Models, Reviews, Gadget Watch: BlackBerry Curve 8900

2009-11-11T21:41:00.000-08:00

The BlackBerry Curve 8900 In USA

The BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g. Placing calls over Wi-Fi requires a GAN/UMA network. Not all BlackBerry plans support Wi-Fi access to BlackBerry services. Check with your service provider for supported services and features.
The BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone is designed to access 3GPP RTSP mobile streaming websites. When the streaming functionality is accessed via the WAP Browser, significant, additional charges may apply. Depending on your carrier, accessibility may only be available via a Wi-Fi connection. Check with your service provider for supported features and services.

Size and Weight

Height:
4.29 inches (109 mm)

Width:
2.36 inches (60 mm)

Depth:
0.53 inches (13.5 mm)

Weight:
3.87 ounces (109.9 grams)

Wi-Fi

Smartphones that are Wi-Fi® capable allow you to access the Internet when you are in range of the Wi-Fi network. Areas within Wi-Fi coverage are deemed hotspots, and can be private (e.g. a home/enterprise network, or a commercial location such as a coffee shop) or public (e.g. municipal).

UMA/GAN

UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access), sometimes referred to as GAN (Generic Access Network), provides carrier services (GSM®/GPRS/EDGE) over unlicensed networks such as Wi-Fi. It allows smartphones that are Wi-Fi capable to make GSM phone calls over Wi-Fi networks.

GPS and BlackBerry Maps

When you need help finding your way—or the nearest coffee shop—use the built-in GPS. It’s designed to work with BlackBerry® Maps and other location-based software, to help you figure out where you are and how to get to where you need to be.^2,5

Available Features

Camera (3.2 MP)
Wi-Fi® Support
Built-in GPS
Enhanced Media Player
Video Recording
BlackBerry® Maps
Wireless Email
Organizer
Browser
Phone
Corporate Data Access
SMS/MMS

Battery & Battery Life

Battery: 1400 mAHr removable/rechargeable cryptographic lithium cell
Talk Time: 5.5 hours
Standby Time: 356 hours

Data Input & Navigation

35 key backlit QWERTY keyboard
Trackball located on front face of device, ESC key to the right, Menu to the left
Dedicated Keys: Send, End, Mute, Lock, VAD (user customizable), 2-stage camera (user customizable), 2x volume/zoom
User Interface: Intuitive icons and menus

Voice Input & Output

Integrated speaker and microphone, Hands-free headset capable, Bluetooth® headset capable, Integrated Hands-Free Speakerphone
Rating for hearing aids (PDF): M3 (in cellular bands only)

Display

High resolution 480x360 pixel color display
Transmissive TFT LCD
Supports over 65,000 colors
Screen Size: 2.44 inches (diagonally measured)

GPS & BlackBerry Maps

Assisted and autonomous GPS enabled

For More Information Visit : BlackBerry Smartphones